Learning - Part 2

Summary

This lecture on Organizational Behaviour focuses on learning, defining it as a permanent change in behavior resulting from experience. It explores behavioristic theories, including classical and operant conditioning, illustrating how stimuli influence behavior. The discussion covers concepts like reinforcement, extinction, and the implications of punishment. Additionally, cognitive theories highlight latent learning and cognitive maps, emphasizing internal processes. Observational learning is introduced, showcasing how people learn by observing others. The application of these learning principles in organizational contexts, particularly in motivation and training, is also examined, underscoring the importance of periodic training and feedback for skill development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning is defined as a permanent change in behavior resulting from experience.
• 🧠 Behavioristic theories include classical conditioning and operant conditioning as key learning approaches.
• 🔔 Classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to evoke a response, as demonstrated by Pavlov's dog experiment.
• 😱 Phobias can develop when neutral stimuli are associated with real threats over time.
• 🎉 Operant conditioning is based on the consequences of behavior, where rewards strengthen behaviors, and punishment can lead to fear and resentment.
• ❌ Negative reinforcement involves withholding a desirable stimulus to discourage undesirable behavior, while punishment introduces aversive consequences.
• 🔄 Extinction occurs when the link between behavior and its consequences breaks, leading to a cessation of that behavior.
• ⚖️ The red-hot-stove approach advocates for using punishment sparingly and effectively, ensuring it is prompt, consistent, and impersonal.
• 🗺️ Cognitive theories emphasize internal processes and latent learning, highlighting that not all learning is immediately observable.
• 👀 Observational learning, or vicarious learning, occurs through observing others and can shape behaviors without direct experience.

Q & A

What is the definition of learning according to the lecture?

Learning is defined as a permanent change in behavior that occurs because of experience.

What are the two main approaches discussed under behavioristic theories of learning?

The two main approaches are classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

How does classical conditioning work?

Classical conditioning involves pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditional stimulus, leading the neutral stimulus to evoke a behavior on its own after repeated pairings.

Can you provide an example of classical conditioning mentioned in the lecture?

An example is Pavlov's experiment with dogs, where a bell (neutral stimulus) was rung before food (unconditional stimulus), eventually causing the dog to salivate at the sound of the bell alone.

What is operant conditioning and how does it differ from classical conditioning?

Operant conditioning is based on the consequences of behavior, where behaviors are strengthened if followed by a desirable outcome or weakened if followed by undesirable consequences, unlike classical conditioning, which focuses on stimulus pairing.

What is the difference between reinforcement and punishment in operant conditioning?

Reinforcement strengthens behavior by providing a desirable outcome, while punishment weakens behavior by introducing an aversive consequence.

What is the concept of extinction in the context of behavior conditioning?

Extinction occurs when a behavior stops being exhibited after a reinforcement or punishment is no longer present, as the connection between behavior and outcome ceases to exist.

What are the types of reinforcement schedules mentioned, and which is more effective?

The types mentioned are fixed interval, variable interval, fixed ratio, and variable ratio. Variable ratio reinforcement is considered more effective for sustaining behavior because the individual never knows when the reinforcement will come.

What is latent learning, and how does it relate to cognitive theories of learning?

Latent learning is a type of learning that occurs without immediate reinforcement, where knowledge is acquired but not demonstrated until a suitable motivation or situation arises.

How does observational learning differ from other forms of learning discussed?

Observational learning, or vicarious learning, occurs by observing the experiences of others, allowing individuals to learn without direct experience or reinforcement.

What are some applications of learning theories in organizational behavior?

Applications include using reinforcement to motivate behaviors, conducting periodic training programs to ensure skill retention, providing opportunities for practice, giving feedback, and employing role models and mentoring.